WYNDHAMOCEANSIDE PIERRESORT

Families love thisresort, which hasboth guest roomsand condos, a hugepool, ocean-viewhot tubs, and easyaccess to the beach.Head to the pier forfishing and noshingat kid-friendlyRuby’s Diner.

WYNDHAMOCEANSIDE
PIER.COM

Whereto StayNorth CountyCoastal

DINING IN DEL MAR

For beachfront seats, head to either Poseidon
or Jake’s Del Mar and get sunset cocktails,
seafood and steaks. Post up on the patio of
Coastline at L’Auberge Del Mar for ceviche and grilled fish tacos, or cozy up in a
cabana for cured yellowtail crudo, house-made pastas, chops and steaks at Kitchen
1540. You’ll be sorry if you skip the
Sugar-Spiced Salmon at Pacifica Del Mar,
a local fave for the past 30 years.

SHOPPING IN SOLANA BEACH
Known as the Design District, Cedros
Avenue is dotted with art galleries and
chic boutiques for home decor, handcarved
furniture, high-end threads, artful
jewelry, and one-of-a-kind shops with
take-home treasures.

CULTURE IN CARLSBAD

You’ll find rotating exhibits and eye candy
galore at the Gemological Institute of
America, which has 1,000 pieces on view
and educational displays of minerals
and gems. Be sure to call ahead for free
admission. Music fans should wander the
Museum of Making Music, dedicated to
the evolution and craftsmanship of musical instruments from the late 19th century
to the present day.

EXPERIENCES IN OCEANSIDE
Soak in the history of surfing at the
California Surf Museum, or stroll the
historic wooden pier, where you can cast a
line. Pair a natural wine with Indonesian-Californian fare at high-energy Dija
Mara or go omakase and allow the chef to
curate your sushi or vegan feast at Wrench
& Rodent Seabasstropub. For late-night
craft cocktails, make a rez at 101 Proof, an
authentic speakeasy with a secret entrance.

CRUISE THE 101

Historic Route 101, once the road that
linked the Spanish missions, hugs the
coastline and meanders through North
County’s beach towns. Start in La Jolla
and make your way to Oceanside for scenic views, ocean swims and casual dining
along the way.

Enchantmentin Encinitas

The San Diego Botanic Garden,a 37-acre paradise in Encinitas,features 4,000 plant species and29 themed gardens. Wander thebamboo garden—the largestcollection of it in the U.S.—commune with the butterflies andhummingbirds, get familiar withplants from down under in theAustralian Garden or play in theHamilton Children’s Garden, aneducational wonderland.